49ers’ Torrey Smith: Colin Kaepernick happier in 2016

Updated 2:26 pm, Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Colin Kaepernick will be back at the controls of the 49ers' offense this Sunday as head coach Chip Kelly has pegged the oft-talked about quarterback to breath some life into the San Francisco offense. Blaine Gabbert previously started at QB for the 49ers, throwing for just four touchdowns and six interceptions, while posting an average passer rating of 65.1. Kelly said that the move had nothing to do with Kaepernick's soon-to-be altered contract status, which should negate some of the balky injury guarantees in his previous long-term deal.

Media: Wibbitz

It remains to be seen if Colin Kaepernick will make important connections on the field, but he’s already made them in the locker room this season.

Today, wide receiver Torrey Smith said the 49ers’ just-promoted quarterback has been more open and engaging with teammates than he was in 2015. Like other players, Smith said Kaepernick’s decision to not stand for the national anthem has inspired deep conversations.

“I think he’s better,” Smith said. “That’s not to say he was terrible (last year), but I think he’s definitely more open. I think he’s happier overall. People tend to forget that that’s a big part of it, just being happy and having fun. Just being loose. I think he’s going to take advantage of his opportunity.”

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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Torrey Smith and Colin Kaepernick in 2015.

Torrey Smith and Colin Kaepernick in 2015.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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4. Gabbert might be able to see the open receivers that Colin Kaepernick could not. For example, Torrey Smith is right when he says he's open, and that was particularly true against Seattle's Richard Sherman.

4. Gabbert might be able to see the open receivers that Colin Kaepernick could not. For example, Torrey Smith is right when he says he's open, and that was particularly true against Seattle's Richard Sherman.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

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Colin Kaepernick (7) leans in to confer with Torrey Smith (82) before a play in the fourth quarter as the San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, November 8, 2015. less

Colin Kaepernick (7) leans in to confer with Torrey Smith (82) before a play in the fourth quarter as the San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Panthers won 46-27. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) less

San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Panthers won 46-27. (AP ... more

Blaine Gabbert (2) and Colin Kaepernick (7) on the bench during a Cowboys possession in the first half as the San Francisco 49ers played the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, October 2, 2016. less

Blaine Gabbert (2) and Colin Kaepernick (7) on the bench during a Cowboys possession in the first half as the San Francisco 49ers played the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Eli Harold #58, Colin Kaepernick #7, and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) less

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Eli Harold #58, Colin Kaepernick #7, and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to their NFL game against the Arizona ... more

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

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SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers speaks with defensive end Michael Bennett #72 of the Seattle Seahawks after the game at CenturyLink Field on September 25, 2016 in Seattle,Washington. The Seahawks won the game 37-18. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) less

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers speaks with defensive end Michael Bennett #72 of the Seattle Seahawks after the game at CenturyLink Field on September 25, ... more

Photo: Steve Dykes, Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers Eli Harold (58), Colin Kaepernick (7) and Eric Reid (35) kneel during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) less

San Francisco 49ers Eli Harold (58), Colin Kaepernick (7) and Eric Reid (35) kneel during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Seattle. (AP ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren, Associated Press

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49ers’ Torrey Smith: Colin Kaepernick happier in 2016

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Kaepernick was asked about Smith’s comments.

“I think I’ve always been happy,” Kaepernick said. “But more than anything, I’m comfortable. I’m at peace with my relationships and with everything that’s going on in my life. I think that reflects and I think that’s what he’s referring to.”

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